Risk Engineering Services: Electric Vehicle Charging Systems

Whereas traditional fuel sources have been distributed in networks of centralised fuel stations, electric vehicle charging systems (EVCS), or electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) tend to interact with the built environment and can be found in workplaces and public charging points either in carpark buildings or roadside charging stations. Typically, EVCS and EVSE may charge vehicles at different rates depending on the infrastructure installed. This document considers the more widely used plug-in charging mechanisms and their use in commercial properties. As with all plant and building services equipment, property risks and risks to a business should be considered during the planning and design stage prior to installation. 

When an EVCS is present, commercial property insurers will likely be most interested in the following hazards in determining a building’s overall risk profile:

Fire:

Electrical circuits, cords, and connections associated with the EVCS include the inherent risk of fire due to physical damage, safety device malfunction, loose connections, overcharging and short circuit conditions. Notable is that property insurers cite electrical fires as one of the most common overall causes of loss.

Considerations: EV battery fires present a significant risk of car-to-car fire spread. This risk should be managed via their placement within a car park. EVCS should be installed in areas of fire resisting and non-combustible construction only and consider the risk of car-to-car fire spread. Automatic fire detection should be provided and enable the shutdown of power to EVCS in the event of an alarm. Where charging stations are under a roof, an adequately designed sprinkler system in line with international codes such as NFPA 13 should be provided. Portable fire extinguishers suitable for an electrical fire should also be considered. Mechanical ventilation should be provided in accordance with EVCS manufacturers and/or where national electrical codes recommend. Electrical circuits for EVCS should be dedicated to EVCS. Manual shut down of power should be made possible to the attending fire service remote from the EVCS themselves. Storage should be prohibited in the area and housekeeping inspections should be implemented to ensure the area is free of combustible material. General power outlets should not be installed in the area where EVCS are installed to prevent the use of portable chargers. Building services containing water (except sprinkler systems) should also be excluded from areas with EVCS and smoking prohibited.

Impact damage/vandalism:

EVCS may be susceptible to damage by collision with vehicles or vandalism due to their installation in public places. This increases the risk of malfunction and the associated electrical fire risks.

Considerations: EVCS should be installed above the impact level of vehicles wherever possible. Charging points should be installed on raised curbs or protected with bollards/concrete or metal barriers. Adequate floor area around the EVCS should be provided considering the abundance of larger size electric vehicles. Security gates, appropriate lighting, fencing and guards should be provided
to protect areas where EVCS are present.

EVCS are susceptible to water damage associated with buildings especially in underground car parks and areas prone to flooding.

Considerations: EVCS should be installed above the defined flood level of any below ground environments and a pre-emergency plan should be in place to isolate EVCS prior to potential flooding events.